‘Osamede’ Heads to Silicon Valley African Film Festival
The historical epic ‘Osamede’ is set to make its U.S. festival debut at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival in California. Directed by James Omokwe and executive produced by Lilian Olubi, the film brings to life the story of a young orphaned girl who must embrace her destiny and rise as the hero of the […]
Nollywood Meets Qatar: Nile Media and Oryx Group Create New Market for Nigerian Cinema
Nile Media Entertainment Group is expanding Nollywood’s global reach with a new partnership in Qatar. Working with Doha-based Oryx Group, one of the leading African entertainment companies in the region, the initiative will introduce Nigerian films to local audiences while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration. Far beyond a film release, the move reflects […]
Lani Aisida Is Expanding His Kingdom Beyond Web Series With ‘Say Who Die’
Lani Aisida is a name many Nollywood audiences first came to know through his web series days. From ‘Marriage Counsellor’ to ‘Oga Pastor’, he was part of the wave that helped shape Nigeria’s digital storytelling era which led him to being dubbed him “King of Web Series”. Over time, he built a reputation as a […]
Niyi Akinmolayan Calls Industry Professionals to Test OneTake App’s Pro Version
Niyi Akinmolayan is inviting producers, directors, and casting agents to participate in the next phase of the OneTake App, the platform designed to connect actors with filmmakers. After completing its beta testing, the app is now opening up for broader industry testing and feedback. Available on both the App Store and Google Play Store, the […]
The Streaming Wars Might Be Nollywood’s Saving Grace
Last weekend, Kava, a streaming platform born from the collaboration of Filmhouse and Inkblot, launched. It joins the other homegrown streamers—Circuits, Showmax, Ebonylife Plus, and Iroko TV—trying to fix the distribution crisis plaguing Nollywood. But the announcement was met with scepticism from Nollyphiles. For Vanessa Ohaha, a fashion and culture journalist, she fears an oversaturation […]
BRS Studios’ ‘Stitches’ Heads to TIFF as Shirley Frimpong-Manso Returns to Cinema
BRS Studios’ ‘Stitches’ will make its world reveal selected at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s long-awaited return to cinema since ‘The Perfect Picture: 10 Years Later’ in 2019. The Ghanaian filmmaker, second only to Funke Akindele in Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards history with 20 nominations and 5 wins, brings […]
Iroko Critic and Nigeria Box Office Host Mid-Year Nollywood Conversation with Nollyphiles
At the halfway point of 2025, Nollywood Film Club — powered by Iroko Critic — gathered nollyphiles for a spirited three-hour conversation reflecting on the state of Nigerian cinema. In collaboration with Nollywire’s Nollyphile community and Nigeria Box Office, the discussion cut across box office hits, festival films, audience unpredictability, and the enduring difficulties of […]
This Nollyphile Can’t Get Over the Death of Pana in Gangs of Lagos
For many nollyphiles, the stories we watch don’t just end when the credits roll. They linger, especially the ones where a beloved character is suddenly taken from us. A death on screen can feel like losing someone we know—shocking, painful, and unforgettable. Nkemakolam Akua, a dedicated nollyphile, shares with us the film death that completely […]
Joy Odiete Launches SIRA at TIFF50, Showcasing Six Nollywood Films to Global Buyers
SIRA – The African Hub will debut at TIFF50, promoting African cinema with curated screenings, networking opportunities, and market access for filmmakers across the continent, as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) marks its 50th anniversary This initiative is led by Joy Odiete, CEO of Blue Pictures Entertainment and President of the Film Distributors Association […]
Asurf Oluseyi Takes ‘3 Cold Dishes’ on Pan African Road Tour with Mikano Motors
When ‘3 Cold Dishes’ hits cinemas this November, it won’t just be another Nollywood release; it’s shaping into a Pan-African cinematic event. The thriller, directed by Asurf Oluseyi and executive produced by Burna Boy, will take audiences on the journeys of three women in pursuit of justice years after they were trafficked across African borders […]
Kava Launches with Free Streaming for First 24 Hours on Kava.tv
Kava, the streaming platform backed by Kene Okwuosa-led Filmhouse Group and Inkblot Productions CEO Chinaza Onuzo, officially launched today, August 21, with the service now live via a web-first release on kava.tv, ahead of its planned mobile and smart TV app expansion. Kava first introduced the platform at a launch event in Lagos on July […]
‘Ori: Rebirth’ Hits ₦419.5M Becoming Nollywood’s Biggest Film of 2025
Muyiwa Ademola’s ‘Ori: Rebirth’ has officially become the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025, pulling in ₦419.5 million at the box office. Released on May 1, the Yoruba-language drama has captured the hearts of audiences nationwide, making it the 8th highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time and the biggest non-December release ever. The film is a […]
‘Revelations’ Reunites RMD and Tanya Price
Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) and Tanya Price share a chemistry that transcends the screen in ‘Revelations’. The Nigerian screen legend and the American actress-producer first discovered their creative connection on ‘Christmas in Miami’, and it has now blossomed into a full-fledged partnership on ‘Revelations’. More than a cross-cultural love story, the film reflects their collaboration, […]
Barbara Babarinsa on Steering Nollywood Stories at FilmOne Studios
Nollywood is in the middle of a global breakthrough, and Barbara Babarinsa is one of the people making it happen. She leads production at FilmOne Studios, the largest production and distribution powerhouse in West Africa. As Head of Production, her task is clear but far from simple: to champion Nollywood stories that reflect cultural truth […]
‘One Woman One Bra’ World Premiere at 82nd Venice Film Festival Biennale College Cinema
Kenyan director Vincho Nchogu’s debut feature ‘One Woman One Bra’ will have its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, screening in the Biennale College Cinema strand — a platform renowned for spotlighting distinctive new voices in world cinema. The film follows Star, a 38-year-old unmarried woman living in the village of Sayit, […]
Biodun Stephen Backs FRAME Incubator Launching at NIFS 2025
PRESS RELEASE. Award-winning filmmaker and producer Biodun Stephen has announced her partnership and support for the Female Representation & Advancement in Media (FRAME) project, an initiative by the Women In The Arts Collective set to debut at the Nigerian Film & TV Summit (NIFS) 2025 on Tuesday, August 26, at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. […]
Asurf Oluseyi Sets ‘3 Cold Dishes’ UK World Premiere for October 3 at Cineworld O2 in London
Asurf Oluseyi, the producer and director behind ‘3 Cold Dishes’, has officially confirmed that the film will have its world premiere in the UK on October 3 at Cineworld Cinemas O2 in London, aligning with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations. The announcement comes with significant prestige: the film has garnered two notable nominations at the upcoming […]
How Yolanda Okereke Engineered Her Way into Costume Design
Yolanda Okereke may work behind the scenes, but her costumes are often the first thing audiences remember. From the commanding matriarchal silhouettes of ‘Blood Sisters’ Lady Uduak to the crisp, perfectly tailored uniforms of ‘Far From Home’, she has been quietly shaping some of Nollywood’s most memorable on-screen looks. Yet her path to costume design […]
25 Films of Taye Arimoro and Where to Watch Them
Taye Arimoro’s journey to becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces began long before his on-screen career took off. In secondary school, he gained early recognition for stage performances, earning a Best Actor award. While studying chemistry at the University of Lagos, he balanced academics with acting, landing opportunities that kept his passion alive. His […]
James Omokwe Says He Has Watched His Upcoming Film ‘Osamede’ Over 35 Times. Here’s Why.
Director James Omokwe has seen the final cut of ‘Osamede’ more than 35 times. But for him, it wasn’t about spotting errors. It was about chasing a feeling. “I’m quite obsessive with anything I make, but this film especially,” he told Nollywire. “Sometimes it’s a tiny change; a second shorter here, a pause trimmed there. […]
‘3 Cold Dishes’ Earns Best Actress and Best Screenplay Nods at Septimius Awards
The upcoming Pan-African revenge drama ‘3 Cold Dishes’ is already on the awards radar, snagging two high-profile nominations at the prestigious Septimius Awards. The film’s star, Osas Ighodaro, is up for Best Actress, while writer Tomi Adesina competes for Best Screenplay. Directed by Asurf Oluseyi and executive produced by Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, ‘3 […]
Niyi Akinmolayan Proposes ₦2,500–₦3,000 Nollywood Cinema Tickets. Here’s How It Works.
Filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan is calling on cinemas to slash ticket prices for Nollywood films and make up the difference with short ad breaks — a move he believes could fill seats, fight piracy, and create new revenue streams for both producers and exhibitors. In a post shared on Instagram, the ‘Lisabi’ and ‘The House of […]
New Documentary ‘Dying For Water’ Chronicles the Struggle for Clean Water in Rural Nigeria
Rector Cares Foundation has announced ‘Dying For Water’, a new documentary film spotlighting the ongoing water crisis in Northern Nigeria. Set in Wuro Yayaru, a rural community in Gombe State, the documentary will premiere during World Water Week in August and offers an unflinching look at how water poverty continues to shape and often shatter […]
Dika Ofoma’s ‘Kachifo’ Wins Three Awards at Locarno Open Doors
Nigerian filmmaker Dika Ofoma’s upcoming feature, ‘Kachifo’ (Till the Morning Comes)’, has made a remarkable sweep at the Locarno Film Festival’s Open Doors initiative, taking home three major awards, including the prestigious Open Doors Grant. The main award of the Open Doors initiative was shared by three projects this year: ‘Black Snake’ by Naishe Nyamubaya […]
Temiloluwa Fosudo Makes Bold Screenwriting Debut on the Big Screen with ‘The Benefactor’
Temiloluwa Fosudo is no stranger to the screen or stage but ‘The Benefactor’ marks a significant turning point in his career. Although he has been writing for a while, ‘The Benefactor’ marks his screenwriting debut on the big screen. The drama, which marks his screenwriting debut on the big screen, follows Tuntunlade, a breakout music […]
NoteSphere Steps into Film With ‘Don’t Stop Creating’
NoteSphere, the platform known for documenting and celebrating Africa’s creative industries, has taken a bold new step with its first film project, ‘Don’t Stop Creating’. The short film stars Akintunde Abidemi Ikudayisi, popularly known as Akthawicked and features an evocative soundtrack from Cosamote and Suurshi. Behind the scenes, it was brought to life by producers […]
‘The Serpent’s Gift’ Scores Two Nominations at the 2025 Septimius Awards
Nigerian cinema continues its global ascent with ‘The Serpent’s Gift’ earning two key nominations at the upcoming 2025 Septimius Awards. The film is in the running for Best African Film, while Stan Nze, who previously won at the same event, is nominated again, this time for Best African Actor. Directed by Kayode Kasum (‘Afamefuna’) and […]
‘Grind’ Nominated for Best Series at 2025 Septimius Awards, Season Three Confirmed
The Clan Production Studios’ ‘Grind’ has been nominated for Best Series at the 2025 Septimius Awards, to be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands; a milestone moment for the Prime Video drama that debuted in January 2023. “This nomination is a huge win for independent African storytelling, and we are incredibly proud to see Nigerian creatives recognised […]
Why This Nollyphile Can’t Let Go of Nollywood
For many Nollyphiles, loving Nollywood is about more than just watching movies; it’s about memory, connection, family, and growth. In this deeply personal conversation, Laolu, a nollyphile and videographer, reflects on the early days of watching Yoruba DVDs with their family, the emotional weight of specific scenes, and how Nollywood evolved from weekend bonding to […]
MBO Capital’s Folajimi Alli-Balogun on Why Kava Could Be Nollywood’s Distribution Breakthrough
Earlier this year, private equity firm MBO Capital disclosed it was looking to double its bet on Nigeria’s creative industry, pushing its investment in the sector from ₦2.3 billion to ₦4.6 billion. The move signalled growing investor confidence in Nollywood’s potential, and for Folajimi Alli-Balogun, Assistant Vice President of Investments at MBO Capital, the ripple […]